Anyone go in the early days of the cruise?

[Rosebud]

I ask because when we did the Keys to the Kingdom tour a few years ago we sat with a lady and her DD and they been before and didn't like it. She said they didn't give you enough food. She said she had never been on a cruise before where she had been hungry, except for on Disney. I'm talking about two tiny people who didn't seem to eat much food, so that had made me kind of nervous about going and then maybe having to purchase food. But then reading here and a few other places, it seems like they have plenty of free food any time you are hungry. So I'm wondering if maybe that was in the early days of operation and they have changed things since the beginning.

[Linnie]

I never went in the early days, but I have been recently and if they were left hungry, either: (A) they were very picky and didn't like what was offered, or (B) Did not realize that if they were still hungry they could have asked for more. I was just on the cruise in February and we couldn't get them to STOP bringing us food! If you said something looked good, they brought it to you. If you couldn't decide between desserts they brought you both. Everything that I have ever heard about Disney cruises since the beginning has always been very similar to what I just described. And certainly if you felt you did not get enough to eat during a meal, you can always go order something else through room service in your room, or visit the pizza place or the burger shop, or the ice cream place. As I said, if they went hungry, they were unaware of how things worked. That is really sad :(

Linnie

[dvcreg]

I didn't cruise during that time, but I do remember that it was a problem initially.

Disney did respond to the complaints, and it's no longer a concern. (And, if you look at my scale after a cruise, you'll see that I'm proof positive.) :wink: [/i]

[kathi]

Rosebud,

Brian and I were on the Magic in 1998 (first year) and again in 1999. I loved the cruise but I do have to say that I was a little disappointed in the food.

It wasn't bad, and there was enough of it..but it wasn't great. It tasted like you would expect when they are trying to serve so many people in a short period of time. The exception was Palo, where I thought the quality of food was far superior to the dining room - and I assume that is beause they make the food as it is ordered.

The food is pretty much the reason that Brian and I are looking to try Celebrity in the fall for a 10-day cruise. Food is probably the MOST important part of any vacation we take (really). Celebrity gets the highest rating for food. (Well, the highest rating of cruise lines we can actually afford).

But I don't think that anyone would ever suggest the food isn't good, it's just not extrordinary. And if you don't feel that you were served enough, they will be happy to bring more...the service is excellent. And the ship is just magnificent.

kathi

[Rosebud]

It's official, that lady must have been nuts. I don't remember if she even said if the food was bad or good - just that there wasn't enough of it, and neither her or her DD appeared to be big eaters.

[roodad]

I was on the Magic in December of 1998 - the baggage issue was still a problem then, but there was certainly no shortage of food. In fact, I recall people at our table getting multiple entrees. The ohly food issue I recall was that we were late boarding because of a Coast Guard inspection, and the welcoming buffet was taken down before everyone had a chance to eat (or at least to graze after eating). So if you missed out on that and had late seating for dinner, you could get a bit hungry. But there was always something available.

[Cruisin Donna]

We went in 1998, 1999, 2000, and 2003. The one thing my husband tells everyone is that you can eat 24 hours a day. He figured it out and did his best to eat 24 hours straight! Not all the meals are to die for but I am the worlds worst eater, (no fruits, veggies and little meat) and I was satisfied the whole trip. The breakfast buffet....chocolate croussiants to die for!! There is also room service 24 hours a day and it only cost a tip. It is a limited menu but you won't starve.

Cruisin Donna

[Moley]

Donna, welcome again! It will be great tapping your cruise knowledge as we plan for our upcoming cruise. You just made me a believer with that description of the chocolate croissants. slurp :lol:

[Owl]

Don't have first hand exp. w/DCL but do for RCCL, Celebrity, HAL, Costa and Carnival and you never go hungry on a cruise... that is unless you choose to.
Kathi... are you cruising on Galaxy or Summit for 10 night. We did Summit for Christmas and realized that the food was much better on Galaxy (and our "good friend" from previous Century & Galaxy cruises) was not head of all the dining services... if it is Nicola.. you in for a treat.. all the folks who work w/for him are excellent.
Carolyn